Coast Guard searching for missing swimmer off Jacksonville Beach

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Coast Guard, Jacksonville Beach Police Department and St. John’s County Sheriffs’s Office are searching for a missing 27 year-old man who did not return to shore after entering the water near the Jacksonville Beach Pier Saturday. ??

Missing is Willie Nix.

A 25-foot rescue boat crew from Coast Guard Station Mayport, Fla., and an HH-65 Dolphin Rescue helicopter crew from Air Station Savannah, Ga., are assisting the Jacksonville Beach Police Department with the search.

The Coast Guard urges all beachgoers and recreational boaters to exercise caution when heading to local waterways this weekend. Beachgoers should never swim alone and avoid swimming at night.

The public is reminded to monitor weather broadcasts and be aware of current storm advisories. The National Weather Service broadcasts marine weather forecasts regularly. Forecasts can be heard by tuning in to Channels 1 through 5 on a VHF marine radio or by checking the NWS website at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/.